When you first opened this article, you probably were little drawn back by the title. Although you may think it sounds rude or selfish to think of yourself before others, it's going to be one of the best decisions you will ever make.

Sometimes, it's hard to think of yourself as an option when stuck in a situation on who gets the happiness. It starts off with the small sacrifices we make for the ones we love entirely and then at some point down the line, we let the opinions of others be a road block to our own happiness. I'm not saying that dropping the care we have for the people just to pick ourselves up every time is the right thing to do, but there has to balance somewhere.

When most people hear or read the world's self-love, the first thing that comes to mind is physical appearance. Don't get me wrong, outer confidence is a significant part of self- love but I don't think that's what it's all about. In order to keep a healthy mind throughout life, it's important to choose yourself every once in awhile. Sometimes choosing your own happiness over someone else's is just what you may need.

I’ve noticed that throughout my life I've been the type of person that frequently chooses others over myself when it comes to certain parts of my life. The ability to put others above yourself is a great quality to have, but an even greater quality is being able to put yourself at the top of the list. Last year someone read me a quote that said, "If someone asked you to name everything you love, how long would it take for you to name yourself?”

After hearing that quote I realized that when I thought of the things I love, I didn’t think of myself at all, and I knew that had to change. Since I've started my freshmen year of college, I've learned that it's okay to choose myself. I've learned that choosing yourself doesn't mean that I'm being selfish or arrogant, but it means deserve to love I have for myself. I am human and choosing myself should be part of my daily routine and life in general. I've tried to come to terms with the fact that my feelings, wants and needs are just as important as my friends. Being able to put yourself first is extremely difficult but in the long run, what makes you happy is what makes you happy and embracing it is the key.

It's ok to choose yourself when your friends want to go out but you want to stay in and watch a movie.

It's ok to choose yourself when the feelings you have for someone might cause a little tension.

It's ok to choose yourself when you have an opinion you want to voice. Don't hide your feelings just to keep someone else comfortable.

It's ok to choose yourself anytime you want. Your happiness is in your hands and you are just as important than anyone else.

Choosing yourself can be scary, but once you start living for yourself and not to please other people, you will feel a huge weight fall off of your shoulders. Throughout your life, there are going to be situations that put your happiness on the line. Instead of giving up your light just to hold someone else up, try saying "I'm going to choose myself this time." Be your own first choice in life, I promise it's okay.